Tymoshenko to Take Army Under Command
The recently revived coalition of the Orange will have to overcome the first split triggered by Yulia Tymoshenko, who pledged to make all army professional starting from January 1, 2008 and to pay back within two years all savings lost by the nation. A portion of Our Ukraine–People’s Self Defense promptly disassociated from the coalition, refusing to assume responsibility for implementing Tymoshenko’s promise. The Regions Party hails the row of the Orange; there, they still hope to prevent Tymoshenko from becoming the prime minister of Ukraine.
The Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko and Our Ukraine-People’s Self Defense proceeded to mutual accusations straight after inking the coalition agreement. The reason was the populist rhetoric of Tymoshenko. Once the Orange Lady was sure that there were no more obstacles en route to the PM Office, she promised soon and radical changes to the nation, first of all the military reform.
All issues are to be addressed professionally, Tymoshenko vowed, pledging to cancel compulsory military service starting from January 1, 2008. In an attempt to lure the older generation in addition to the young one, Tymoshenko undertook to speed up repayment of money laid aside back in time of the former Soviet Union. It would be made in the record two years, the leader declared, alarming her allies from Our Ukraine-People’s Self Defense Party.
Defense Minister Anatoli Gritsenko, who is the No. 4 in pro-president’s list, was the first to rebuff populist statements of Tymoshenko. Under the state program that the president approved as the Supreme Commander, Gritsenko explained, Ukrainian army will be the 100-percent contract in 2010. “As to canceling the call-up from January 1, 2008, I can only say that you may just as well initial a treaty on repealing three laws of Newton,” the minister said.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Oct. 19, 2007
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